“We can use Roma’s own precedent argument against him!”

Daniel’s smile carried that dangerous edge she’d seen in the courtroom. “He was so focused on infrastructure burden, he forgot to check his witness’s foundational credibility.”

“Juni,” Sophia cut in, her voice carrying carefully controlled optimism, “this could work, but…” She gestured to the clock. “We’re almost out of time. The jury’s already heard hours of technical testimony about infrastructure challenges. One procedural point might not be enough to overcome that.”

Juniper’s earlier uncertainty tried to resurface, but something about Daniel’s quiet confidence kept it at bay. The late afternoon sun streaming through the windows caught his profile, highlighting the intensity in his expression that always made her pulse skip. Their eyes met with shared understanding - this might be their last chance to turn the tide.

The bailiff’s knock made them all jump slightly. “Two minutes!”

“Ready?” Daniel asked softly, his gaze carrying more than just professional concern.

Juniper squared her shoulders, drawing strength from his presence beside her. “Let’s finish this.”

The courtroom air felt charged with electrical potential as they returned, like the resonating wave form of the very infrastructure they’d been discussing. Roma’s usual smile had taken on a wavering edge as he watched them settle back into place, clearly suspecting their recess had been more than desperate stalling.

“You may proceed with cross-examination, Ms. Valenca,” Judge Donahue’s voice carried that particular tone suggesting his patience with the day’s theatrics was wearing thin.